Nature rules in this part of the world and Amanwella enjoys a privileged setting from which to observe some rare marvels: seasonal egg laying by giant turtles, protected elephant herds in national parks, monkeys in paradise and tropical birdlife; as well as walks around local villages exhibiting the simple pleasures of island life.

nature tours

village nature walks

Amanwella is situated in the heart of Wella Wathuara village. An early morning or evening stroll along the village paths that wind through the jungle provide an interesting insight into daily village life. Chances abound to also view the diverse wildlife in the area including monkeys, birds, mouse deer, monitor lizards, hares and mongooses.

mulgirigala rock temple

Situated 35 minutes north of Tangalle, Mulgirigala is a monastic site on an isolated 210m high rock that rises almost vertically out of the surrounding forest. The rock was the site of an important discovery - the Tika ola-leaf scripts discovered in the 19th century by George Tumour. These scripts offered a key to the translation of Sri Lanka's most informative ancient text, the 'Mahavamsa'.

bundala national park

Located 1¼ hours east of Tangalle, this area of open scrub around the coast offers great opportunities for bird-watching (with around 150 reported species) and the occasional sighting of elephants and crocodiles. The salt pans attract a vast number of migratory shore birds, making this 6,216 hectare park one of the most important wetlands in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Bundala is between November and March when the winter migratory birds arrive. Numerous grey langur monkeys populate the larger trees and in the scrub jungle you may also come across jackals, hares and spotted deer.

uda walawe national park

Situated 1½ hours north-east of Tangalle, this is one of the island’s most popular national parks totalling 30,800 hectares in size and bordering a reservoir. It is best known for its elephants (estimated to number around 400, including six tuskers) and birdwatching opportunities. It is primarily open parkland traversed by a river and numerous streams which makes elephant sightings particularly accessible. Often the pachyderms can be seen in herds of up to 100 or more. Other animals which may be sighted here include spotted deer, langur monkeys, jackal, wild boar and water buffalo.

yala national park

Located two hours north-east of Tangalle, Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve. Guests travel through the park accompanied by a park tracker. The park’s wildlife has its own distinctive charm, with huddles of colourful painted storks, crocodiles, fantailed peacocks, and chattering monkeys in the treetop. The park’s most famous residents, however, are its elusive leopards.

rekawa turtle conservation project

The Rekawa Turtle Conservation project is located 10 kilometres east of Tangalle and is home to one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Sri Lanka. 5 different species of sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand every night throughout the year. Amanwella recommends visiting the project on the night of a full moon. One can truly see the influx of turtles in the glowing moonlight.